Use of the Backpack for Routes, Hiking, and Excursions in the Mountains

Last Updated on March 29, 2018

It is difficult to imagine a more basic and vital element for lovers of adventure (hiking, mountain, multi-adventure) than the backpack, it is an indispensable transport tool for mountain climbing, hiking or trekking.

Properly distribute the weight

First of all, you must avoid excess weight. A reasonable load ranges between 10 and 15 kilos well distributed.

At the time of making the backpack, it is necessary to be guided by two fundamental principles:

Place objects according to their weight

Center the heaviest objects around an imaginary central axis and surround it with the lightest and most flexible elements, until achieving a uniform set that avoids displacements.

The correct filling of the backpack is important, and it depends on the type of terrain for which one is going to move, if it is very rough or difficult, or if it is flatter or easier.

For easy terrain, it is advisable to bring the center of gravity of the backpack at the top and, therefore, the heaviest part of the load located near the shoulders.

For difficult terrain, it is convenient to bring the center of gravity in the center of the backpack, therefore, the heaviest part of the load, located near the back. This distribution favors stability.

Place objects according to their usefulness

Everything that is essential along the way (drink, a warm garment …) will be placed on the top or in the outer pockets.

The lower edge of the backpack and the weight should be on the pelvic hollow: try to center the pelvis as much as possible. Approaching it to the back for more control.

Never hang objects outside the backpack! They unbalance and could easily get lost.

Backpack for women

There are many backpack models that in their manufacture take into account the specificities of the female anatomy: shorter back, wider hip and more exposed chest, which requires a different distribution of the loads at the level of the back and a different conception of the abdominal belt as well as the tape system to prevent it from pressing on the chest.

Anyway, the fact that a backpack does not have a specific design for the female anatomy, does not imply, at all, that it can not be used satisfactorily by a woman.

How to carry a backpack

The backpack has to be fully attached to the back so that the shoulder pads and straps should be fully tensioned so that they adapt completely to the contour of the body.

You have to adjust the belt well to the waist to free the column and shoulders of much of the weight. If there is a binding tape between the shoulders, it has to be fastened to distribute another part of the weight towards the chest and provide greater comfort when walking.

If you follow these tips, you can do any type of activity with your backpack on your back and it will be very difficult to lose your balance.

Placement

The weight falls on the kidneys forcing the posture and making walking uncomfortable.
The weight is distributed evenly between the hips and shoulders, adopting a firmer and therefore more comfortable posture.
Each person has different measures; it is recommended to adjust the height through the tensioning of the shoulder pads and the adjustment of the belt.
When carrying an anatomically designed backpack, the spine receives the weight evenly.
The dorsal vertebrae concentrate all the weight of a backpack incorrectly placed, making it difficult to walk
With a backpack properly adapted to the body, other activities can be practiced without losing balance.
In difficult terrain, when skiing, during mountain descents, etc., you should adjust the straps of the backpack to the maximum to favor that body and backpack act as one.
Modern backpacks carry the lumbar belt. The lower back belt is a key part of a medium or large backpack. Its comfort and design depend on the ease of a backpack to stay firm on the back preventing oscillations that would unbalance us. It is advisable that the belt is soft on the inside for more comfort and somewhat stiffer on the outside for greater resistance to twisting.
Support points in correct position. A backpack, you must effectively distribute the weight along the shoulders, back, and hips; It must be ergonomically designed.
Fasten the shoulder strap of the shoulder pads, if your backpack has it.

Use tips

Select the model according to the morphology of each one, adjust the shoulder pads without tightening the shoulder pads without tightening excessively, facilitating the circulation and ventilation of the whole.
Make it easy to get rid of the load in case of imbalance, being able to exit from the side. The waist belts reduce the slides contributing to a greater grip and are easy to release.
Do not choose a big backpack just because you think it’s more versatile. If it fits more, surely you will fill it more, with the problems that this causes when walking.
Be clear why you are going to use it. Each sport (skiing, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering…) has its peculiarities, and there are backpacks that adapt to each specific activity with specific slides.
It is very good that the espalier has an adequate ventilation system and that the fabric with which it is made does not absorb or retain the sweat.
The volume or capacity of the backpack is expressed in liters and depends on the most usual activity (walking, climbing, skiing …)
You should think about the size of the backpack you need: a very large backpack gives a lot of space to carry things, but it is possible that this abundance of space tempts you to carry too many unnecessary things on short trips.
The ideal would be to have at least two backpacks of different sizes to be able to use one or the other depending on the type of exit that you wish to undertake.
Smooth backpacks without side pockets facilitate passage through vegetation or narrow passages as they protrude minimally from our anatomy. They allow carrying skis and side canes. They are easy to drag when hoisting (during climbs)
With side pockets allow quick and independent access to parts of the equipment. Some technical models have removable pockets and can be used as separate pieces.

Seams

The seam system that holds together the different parts of a backpack is of the utmost importance. The seams must be durable and, those that must withstand a great effort to overcome double or triple, or include some effective reinforcement system.

The thread must be of high strength and indestructible. The ideal is a 100% high-quality polyamide yarn.